Apparatus for inflating and deflating

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object includes a cylinder with two open ends. A block is installed in one of the open ends of the cylinder. The block defines a first passage and a second passage. A first check valve is installed in the first passage. A second check valve is installed in the second passage. A piston is reciprocated in the cylinder. A nozzle defines a first aperture for communication with the inflatable object and a second aperture for communication with the exterior. The nozzle is rotationally mounted on the cylinder between a deflating position and an inflating position. In the deflating position, the first aperture is communicated with the first passage, and the second aperture the second passage. In the inflating position, the first aperture is communicated with the second passage, and the second aperture the first passage.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present invention is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,232.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for inflating and deflating.

2. Related Prior Art

Referring to FIG. 17, a conventional apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object is shown. This conventional apparatus includes a cylinder 100 with a closed end and an open end. The closed end of the cylinder 100 is sufficiently thick in order to define a first passage 110 and a second passage 120. A first check valve 111 is provided in the first passage 110 in order to allow air to travel into the cylinder 100 only. A second check valve 121 is provided in the second passage 120 in order to allow air to travel from the cylinder 100 only. A nozzle 300 is attached to the closed end of the cylinder 100. The nozzle 300 defines a first space 310 and a second space 320. A piston 220 is provided in the cylinder 100. The piston is attached to an end of a piston rod 210. A handle 200 is provided in the exterior of the cylinder 100. The handle 200 is attached to an opposite end of the piston rod 210. A seal 230 is used to seal the open end of the cylinder 100. In use, a valve of the inflatable object is inserted in the second space 320. The first space 310 is always communicated with the exterior of the cylinder 100. In an inflating position of the nozzle 300 relative to the cylinder 100, the second space 320 is communicated with the second passage 120, and the first space 310 the first passage 110. As the piston 220 is reciprocated in the cylinder 100, air is drawn into the cylinder 100 from the exterior and pumped into the inflatable object from the cylinder 100. The nozzle 300 can be turned to a deflating position relative to the cylinder 100. In the deflating position, the second space 320 is communicated with the first passage 110, and the first space 310 the second passage 120. As the piston 220 is reciprocated in the cylinder 100, air is drawn into the cylinder 100 from the inflatable object and pumped to the exterior from the cylinder 100. It however involves a complicated process to define the passages 110 and 120 and install the check valves 111 and 121 therein. The complicated process renders a low throughput and a high cost of this conventional apparatus.

The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, an apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object includes a cylinder with two open ends. A block is installed in one of the open ends of the cylinder. The block defines a first passage and a second passage. A first check valve is installed in the first passage. A second check valve is installed in the second passage. A piston is reciprocated in the cylinder. A nozzle defines a first aperture for communication with the inflatable object and a second aperture for communication with the exterior. The nozzle is rotationally mounted on the cylinder between a deflating position and an inflating position. In the deflating position, the first aperture is communicated with the first passage, and the second aperture the second passage. In the inflating position, the first aperture is communicated with the second passage, and the second aperture the first passage.

The primary advantage of the invention is that the apparatus for inflating and deflating can be produced in a simple and fast process at a low cost. It is simpler and faster to make the cylinder 10 and the block 40 separately and assembled them than to make a cylinder with a thick closed end. It is simpler and faster to install the check valve 47 on the block 40 than to put a spring-biased ball in a passage in a thick closed end of a cylinder.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described through detailed illustration of embodiments referring to the attached drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inflating and deflating according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a first step for deflating.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 4 but shows the apparatus in a second step for deflating.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a first step for inflating.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 8 but shows the apparatus in a second step for inflating.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for inflating and deflating according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 12 in a first step for deflating.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 13 but shows the apparatus in a second step for deflating.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional apparatus for inflating and deflating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown an apparatus 1 for inflating and deflating according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1 includes a cylinder 10, a piston 22 put in the cylinder 10, a valve 40 provided on the cylinder 10 and a nozzle 30 provided on the valve 40.

The cylinder 10 defines a space 11 with a first open end and a second open end.

A piston rod 21 includes a first end connected with the piston 22 and a second end connected with a handle 20 for reciprocating the piston 22 in the cylinder 10. At the first open end of the cylinder 10, a seal 23 is provided between the cylinder 10 and the piston rod 21.

The block 40 is fit in the second open end of the cylinder 10. The block 40 defines a first passage 41 and a second passage 42. The first passage 41 extends from a first end of the block 40 to an opposite second end of the same. The second passage 42 extends from the first end of the block 40 to the periphery of the same. That is, the second passage 42 includes a first end in the first end of the block 40 and a second end in the periphery of the block 40. A check valve 46 is installed in the first passage 41 in order to allow air to enter the cylinder 10 through the first passage 41. The check valve is a spring-biased ball. A seal 43 is provided around the periphery of the block 40. A groove 44 extends around the periphery of the block 40. An annular check valve 47 is put in a groove 44 extending around the periphery of the block 40. The annular check valve 47 includes an annular internal portion put in the groove 44 and a conical external portion in contact with the internal side of the cylinder 10. The annular check vale 47 is located below the second end of the second passage 42. Two recesses 45 are defined in the external face of the cylinder 10. A seal 48 is put in a groove extending on an end of the block 40 around the first passage 41. A seal 49 is put in a groove extending on the end of the block 40 around the second passage 42.

The nozzle 30 defines an upper space 31 and a lower space 35 communicated with the upper space 31 through a first aperture 51 and a second aperture 52. Two recesses 37 are defined in the internal side of the lower space 35. A retaining device 38 is put in each of the recesses 37. Each of the retaining devices 38 includes a spring 53 and a ball detent 54.

Each ball detent 54 partially enters one of the recesses 45 when the first aperture 51 is communicated with the first passage 41, and the second aperture 52 the second passage 42, or vice versa.

A mouth 32 is put in the second space 31 of the nozzle 30. The mouth 32 separates the upper space 31 into a first portion and a second portion. Different mouths may be used in different applications. A ring 34 is engaged with the nozzle 30, thus retaining the mouth 32 in the second space 31 of the nozzle 30.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the apparatus 1 is ready for deflating. The first portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the first passage 41 through the first aperture 51. The second portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the second passage 42 through the second aperture 52. Although not shown, a valve of an inflatable object is inserted in the first portion of the upper space 31.

Referring to FIG. 4, the piston 22 is moved from the block 40. Air is drawn into the cylinder 10 from the inflatable object through the first passage 41. As best shown in FIG. 5, air cannot travel into the cylinder 10 from the exterior through the second passage 42 because of the check valve 47.

Referring to FIG. 6, the piston 22 is moved toward the block 40.

Referring to FIG. 7, the air travels past the check valve 47. The air travels to the exterior from the cylinder 10 through the second passage 42. The air cannot return into the inflatable object through the first passage 41 because of the check valve 46.

The cylinder 10 and the block 40 can be rotated relative to the nozzle 30 from the position shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 to a position shown in FIGS. 8 through 11 for inflating. The first portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the second passage 42 through the first aperture 51. The second portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the first passage 41 through the second aperture 52.

Referring to FIG. 8, the piston 22 is moved from the block 40. Air travels into the cylinder 10 from the exterior through the first passage 41. Referring to FIG. 9, air cannot travel into the cylinder 10 from the inflatable object through the second passage 42 because of the check valve 47.

Referring to FIG. 10, the piston 22 is moved toward the nozzle 30. Referring to FIG. 11, the air travels past the check valve 47. The air travels into the inflatable object from the cylinder 10 through the second passage 42. The air cannot return to the exterior from the cylinder 10 through the first passage 41 because of the check valve 46.

FIGS. 12 through 16 show an apparatus for inflating and deflating according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except that the check valve 47 is arranged in an opposite direction. Accordingly, the second embodiment is operated in a different manner.

The apparatus 1 is ready for deflating. The first portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the second passage 42 through the first aperture 51. The second portion of the upper space 31 is communicated with the first passage 41 through the second aperture 52. Although not shown, a valve of an inflatable object is inserted in the first portion of the upper space 31.

Referring to FIG. 13, the piston 22 is moved from the block 40. Air is drawn into the cylinder 10 from the inflatable object through the second passage 42. As best shown in FIG. 14, air cannot travel into the cylinder 10 from the exterior through the first passage 41 because of the check valve 46.

Referring to FIG. 15, the piston 22 is moved toward the block 40. Referring to FIG. 16, the air travels past the check valve 46. The air travels to the exterior from the cylinder 10 through the first passage 41. The air cannot return into the inflatable object through the second passage 42 because of the check valve 47.

The primary advantage of the invention is that the apparatus for inflating and deflating can be produced in a simple and fast process at a low cost. It is simpler and faster to make the cylinder 10 and the block 40 separately and assembled them than to make a cylinder with a thick closed end. It is simpler and faster to install the check valve 47 on the block 40 than to put a spring-biased ball in a passage in a thick closed end of a cylinder.

The present invention has been described via detailed illustration of four embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Hence, these embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims. 

1. An apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object, the apparatus comprising: a cylinder with two open ends; a block installed in one of the open ends of the cylinder, the block defining a first passage and a second passage; a first check valve installed in the first passage; a second check valve installed in the second passage; a piston reciprocating in the cylinder; and a nozzle defining a first aperture for communication with the inflatable object and a second aperture for communication with the exterior, the nozzle being rotationally mounted on the cylinder between a deflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the first passage, and the second aperture the second passage and an inflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the second passage, and the second aperture the first passage.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first check valve is a spring-biased ball.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second check valve is a spring-biased ball.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a seal attached to the block around the first passage.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a seal attached to the block around the second passage.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a retaining device between the block and the nozzle for keeping the nozzle in the inflating and deflating positions relative to the block.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the retaining device is a spring-biased detent installed on one of the nozzle and the block for insertion in a recess defined in the other of the nozzle and the block.
 8. An apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object, the apparatus comprising: a cylinder with two open ends; a block installed in one of the open ends of the cylinder, the block comprising a first end and a second end, and defining a first passage with a first end in the first end of the block and a second end in the second end of the block and a second passage with a first end in the first end of the block and a second end in the periphery of the block; a first check valve installed in the first passage; a second check valve provided between the cylinder and the second passage and between the second end of the block and the second end of the second passage; a piston reciprocating in the cylinder; and a nozzle defining a first aperture for communication with the inflatable object and a second aperture for communication with the exterior, the nozzle being rotationally mounted on the cylinder between a deflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the first passage, and the second aperture the second passage and an inflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the second passage, and the second aperture the first passage.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first check valve is a spring-biased ball.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second check valve comprises a cylindrical portion and a conical portion extending from the cylindrical portion.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a seal attached to the block around the first passage.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a seal attached to the block around the second passage.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a retaining device between the block and the nozzle for keeping the nozzle in the inflating and deflating positions relative to the block.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the retaining device is a spring-biased detent installed on one of the nozzle and the block for insertion in a recess defined in the other of the nozzle and the block.
 15. An apparatus for inflating and deflating an inflatable object, the apparatus comprising: a cylinder with two open ends; a block installed in one of the open ends of the cylinder, the block comprising a first end and a second end, and defining a first passage with a first end in the first end of the block and a second end in the second end of the block and a second passage with a first end in the first end of the block and a second end in the periphery of the block; a first check valve installed in the first passage; a second check valve provided between the cylinder and the second passage and between the second end of the block and the second end of the second passage; a piston reciprocating in the cylinder; and a nozzle defining a first aperture for communication with the inflatable object and a second aperture for communication with the exterior, the nozzle being rotationally mounted on the cylinder between a deflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the second passage, and the second aperture the first passage and an inflating position where the first aperture is communicated with the first passage, and the second aperture the second passage.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first check valve is a spring-biased ball.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second check valve comprises a cylindrical portion and a conical portion extending from the cylindrical portion.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a seal attached to the block around the first passage.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a seal attached to the block around the second passage.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a retaining device between the block and the nozzle for keeping the nozzle in the inflating and deflating positions relative to the block.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the retaining device is a spring-biased detent installed on one of the nozzle and the block for insertion in a recess defined in the other of the nozzle and the block. 